Master Plan Project

The College’s objective is to develop a comprehensive master plan that covers selected aspects of site and facility planning for the next ten years. The plan will support the following:

3.1 Board Approval and Fund Raising

Requests for capital projects public and private funding must be based on a comprehensive master plan for the institution. The College will use the master plan in its fundraising activities. The document that is produced for the master plan is to be aligned with the College’s strategic plan, and requires approval by the Board of Governors for Higher Education before it is finalized.

3.2 Guide for Future Site Development

The process should identify locations of future site development, including buildings, parking facilities, green space, roads, and additional outdoor athletic facilities. The Plan should identify those portions of the site, if any, which have limited value to the College.

3.3 Facilities Utilization, Scheduling and Priority Setting

The College needs an analysis of classroom capacity and utilization, building usage, building systems, code compliance, and traffic circulation. Its primary goals are to:

classify and prioritize deficient conditions and associated corrective actions for all buildings

secure the highest and best use of land and facilities

produce a comprehensive plan for present and future utilization

create a coordinated plan for new construction, renovation and upgrades, which reflects new and current uses as identified in the 2010-2015 strategic plan.

unify the appearance of buildings on campus to create a harmonious environment

create a more attractive and welcoming campus that in itself demonstrates the College’s commitment to quality student life.

4.0 KEY ISSUES

4.1 Campus Identity

At the request of President Carriuolo, a Branding Committee was formed to help redefine an image for the College. The committee’s first charge was to develop a premise for tagline suggestions, using all in-house resources so as not to incur the expense and time it would take to engage an outside marketing firm. The committee met four times and focused on the various constituencies who might be influenced by the use of a RIC tagline. Constituencies included prospective students and their parents, alumni and donors, the campus community, and the community at large.

To further the committee’s quest, it was decided that it would be useful to gather ideas and suggestions from the campus community and alumni. For this purpose, a dedicated email account was established (tagline@ric.edu) and solicited tagline ideas from faculty and staff. A total of 150 tagline suggestions were received from the email account and other submitted suggestions. After careful review and examination, the Branding Committee presented six suggestions to the President’s Executive Council who then selected the winning line Pending College Council Approval on March 20.

The Branding Committee’s next assignment is to create a graphic presentation for the tagline, then implement the line into all campus materials and message mediums, before developing a new Public Relations campaign to include the tagline.

4.2 Landscaping and Aesthetics

To create an oasis that is welcoming and reflects the natural beauty of the state, we seek design and aesthetic input that not only pays homage to the rich history of the college, but also unifies building appearances, facilitates a feeling of harmony, promotes a distinctive image reflecting the college and its programming. We want to capture the changes of each season and the distinctive ambiance of the Mount Pleasant/Fruit Hill neighborhoods that surround the campus.

4.3 Pedestrian Circulation

To create perimeter and interior pathways that are safe and easy to maintain in inclement weather yet provides direct passage to each building. Consideration of traffic patterns to separate major vehicle traffic patterns from major pedestrian traffic.